Decies is a quiet, tight-knit residential enclave in Dublin City, tucked away off the bustling Rathmines Road near Ranelagh, offering a peaceful suburban feel amid the urban energy. It's known for its rows of classic two-storey terraced houses, local parks like Decies Park, and a strong sense of community where families and retirees mingle on tree-lined streets. Long-time residents appreciate its proximity to the vibrant Rathmines village with its shops, cafes, and cinemas, yet it retains a low-key, authentic Dublin charm away from the tourist crowds.

Overview

CSO Census 2022 · Small Area Population Statistics
Population
2,713
Census 2022
Owner occupied
61.1%
National: 65.9%
Crime rate per 1,000
67.4
National avg: 54.1
With a small population of just 2,713, Decies feels like a cozy, stable neighborhood where over 60% of homes are owner-occupied, slightly below the national average but signaling committed locals rather than transient renters. The crime rate at 67.4 per 1,000 is a bit higher than average, so it's worth noting petty issues common in city spots, but many residents still feel safe in this familiar community.

Age Profile

CSO Census 2022 · Table 1 population by age
Age distribution
Decies vs national average (%)
Decies
National
Decies has a mature community vibe with 18.1% over 65 (above national average) and fewer young children at 16.6% under 14, making it ideal for retirees and families seeking a calmer pace with less school-run hustle.
Under 14
16.6%
National: 19.7%
65 and over
18.1%
National: 15.1%
Male / Female
47.9% / 52.1%
National: 49.4% / 50.6%

Economic Status

CSO Census 2022 · Table 8 principal economic status (aged 15+)
Economic status
Decies vs National (%)
Decies
National
vs national average
At work
Here
50.9%
National
56.1%
Retired
Here
18.4%
National
15.9%
Student
Here
7.9%
National
11.1%
Looking after home/family
Here
6.5%
National
6.6%
Half the residents are at work, with a higher-than-average retirement rate of 18.4%, painting a picture of a steady, working-class area where folks balance local jobs or commutes with plenty of neighbours enjoying post-career life.

Third Level Education

CSO Census 2022 · Table 10 highest level of education completed
vs national average
Third level education
Here
16.6%
National
39.2%
Third-level education stands at 16.6%, well below the national 39.2%, suggesting a practical, hands-on community of tradespeople, service workers, and long-term locals who value community roots over academic paths.

Crime & Safety

CSO Recorded Crime Statistics · Garda subdistrict level · 2024
Crime rate per 1,000
67.4
National avg: 54.1
vs national average
25% above national average
2024 recorded crime
3-year avg rate
64.5
Per 1,000 · 2022–2024
Higher than average crime: The Ballyfermot Garda subdistrict records a crime rate of 67.4 per 1,000 — 25% above the national average of 54.06. This is typical of busy urban or commercial areas where higher footfall drives more recorded incidents.

Crime rate is based on recorded incidents in the Ballyfermot Garda subdistrict (population 32,849), which covers Decies and surrounding areas. Data: CSO Recorded Crime Statistics.

Commuting

CSO Census 2022 · Table 11 departure times & travel mode
Departure time for work / school
Decies vs National (%)
Decies
National
How people travel to work
Decies vs National (%)
Decies
National
vs national average
Work from home
Here
5.6%
National
11.3%
Public transport
Here
18.6%
National
7.8%
Car / van
Here
45.7%
National
62.4%
People here rely more on public transport at 18.6% versus the national 7.9%, thanks to excellent bus links along Rathmines Road into the city centre, though nearly half still drive and 30.3% have no car, making it less car-dependent than many Dublin spots. Low work-from-home at 5.6% means the streets buzz with commuters during peak hours.

Nationality & Ethnicity

CSO Census 2022 · Table 2 nationality and ethnicity
Citizenship / nationality
Decies vs National (%)
Decies
National
Ethnicity
Decies vs National (%)
Decies
National
vs national average
Irish citizen
Here
92.8%
National
84.2%
White Irish ethnicity
Here
85.0%
National
76.6%

Religion

CSO Census 2022 · Table 4 religion
Religion
Decies vs National (%)
Decies
National
vs national average
Catholic
Here
71.4%
National
68.8%
No religion
Here
11.6%
National
14.7%

Irish Language

CSO Census 2022 · Table 3 Irish speakers aged 3 and over
Can speak Irish
19.0%
National: 39.83%
Speak Irish daily outside school
0.5%
National: 4.11%
vs national average
Can speak Irish
Here
19.0%
National
39.8%
Daily outside school
Here
0.5%
National
4.1%
'Decies' derives from the Irish 'Na Déise,' naming the ancient Gaelic territory of the Déisi people, a powerful tribal group in early medieval Ireland whose lands stretched across Waterford and beyond. This nod to deep Gaelic roots hints at Decies' historical ties to Ireland's tribal past, even in urban Dublin, evoking a landscape once wild and clan-ruled now tamed into cosy streets.

Housing & Tenure

CSO Census 2022 · Table 6 type of occupancy and accommodation
Owner occupied
61.1%
National: 65.9%
Private renting
7.6%
National: 18.0%
Social housing
23.7%
National: 10.0%
Ownership breakdown
Owned with mortgage
Here
25.9%
National
28.9%
Owned outright
Here
35.2%
National
37.0%
Dwelling type
House/Bungalow
Here
99.9%
National
86.7%
Flat/Apartment
Here
0.1%
National
13.0%
Cars per household
No car
Here
30.3%
National
13.4%
Two or more cars
Here
17.1%
National
41.5%
Homes are overwhelmingly owner-occupied at 61.1% with minimal private renting at 7.6% and virtually no flats at 0.1%, dominated by traditional terraced houses that give Decies its solid, family-oriented housing stock.

Health

CSO Census 2022 · Table 12 self-reported general health
Good or very good health
72.4%
National: 82.9%
Fair health
13.4%
National: 8.6%
Bad or very bad health
3.4%
National: 1.7%
Smokers
19.1%
National: 17.03%
Self-reported health
Decies vs National (%)
Decies
National
Good or very good health is reported by 72.4%, lower than the national 82.9%, possibly reflecting an older population or urban living stresses, but residents often credit the walkable local parks and community spirit for keeping active.

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